KC Chiefs LB Nick Bolton vows to get Mizzou degree, talks about Super Bowl scoop/score

In a Super Bowl between two high-flying offenses, the Chiefs would not have defeated the Philadelphia Eagles without a fumble recovery that became a touchdown.

Linebacker Nick Bolton produced the 23rd defensive touchdown in Super Bowl history when he scooped Jalen Hurts’ unforced fumble in the second quarter and returned it 36 yards for the score. The sequence kept the Chiefs in a game they would go on to win 38-35.

For some, that would be a career moment. For Bolton, the former Missouri Tigers star about to begin his third season in the NFL, it’s an incentive for more success.

“I’m as hungry as ever,” Bolton said.

In his short NFL career, Bolton has grown into a leader on a defense that he believes doesn’t get enough credit. The Chiefs were ranked 27th in yards allowed during Bolton’s rookie season and improved to 11th last year, when he led the team and finished second in the NFL with 108 tackles.

“We don’t really get the respect that we deserve, in the years I’ve been here and watching from Mizzou,” Bolton said. “The Chiefs’ defense doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, myself included.”

Despite his productive 2022 season, which included a pair of interceptions and nine tackles for loss, Bolton wasn’t named to the Pro Bowl, and that was despite leading the fan voting for his position. Only defensive tackle Chris Jones was named to the AFC squad from the Chiefs’ defense.

Bolton has something better — a Super Bowl ring and a touchdown for the ages — and he got to share the experience with former teammates and coaches at Missouri. He visited his old campus during the Tigers’ spring practices.

“The fans there, they really love the Chiefs,” Bolton said. “I knew that before I got there, but I realized how much care about Kansas City football. I had that moment to share with them.”

Bolton said he hasn’t received his degree from Missouri yet, but he pledged that’s in the works.

“I told my mom I’d leave with a degree,” said Bolton, who became the Chiefs’ second-round pick in 2021 after three seasons in Columbia. “I didn’t have the opportunity to do that because of COVID. I missed summer class. It’s very important to me.

“I won’t finish my NFL career without my degree.”